Of all the problems plaguing the Wallabies’ backline, one of the most important is the lack of a settled second playmaker.
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All teams that look to play attacking, enterprising rugby require a second playmaker.
The All Blacks side of 2013-15 attacked more effectively than anyone because they had three playmakers, all of whom also possessed a running game.
Dan Carter at 10
Ma’a Nonu at 12
Ben Smith at 15
Likewise, Rod Maqueen’s Wallabies possessed the same.
Stephen Larkham at 10
Tim Horan at 12
Matt Burke at 15
For a team looking to play enterprising rugby the following positions are key.
The number ten (or flyhalf) is generally the team’s primary playmaker. They usually operates as first receiver and should possess a good short and long passing game as well as a kicking game. A running game is an important added bonus.
The number 12, or inside centre, usually serves as a second playmaker and receiver. They, too, must have a good long and short passing game, but absolutely must possess a strong running game.
This means the 12 can be put through holes by the 10, and also allows the 12 to draw defenders in effectively, thereby opening up holes for their outside backs. The 12, along with 13, is one of the most difficult defensive positions on the field.
The number 15, or fullback, must be strong under the high ball, absolutely must have a strong running game, and, preferably, should have good attacking vision and possess a strong long pass in order to most effectively counterattack against unset defences off of poor kicks form the opposition.
The 15, as one of the outside backs, has more freedom than the 12, and can choose when to inject themselves. This is the role that Ben Smith does so effectively, waiting until they see an attacking opportunity and then moving in as second receiver to set up the attacking play.
It should also be noted that the 2013-15 All Blacks had strong attacking kicking options at 10, 12 and 15 also. If an attacking kick finds the grass and is well chased then it can lead to four common positive outcomes:
a) the defending team gathers the ball, tries to kick, and is charged down
b) the defending player gathers the ball, does not have time to kick, and is forced to run the ball into touch, thereby setting up an attacking lineout for the team that kicked
c) the defending team gathers the ball, is tackled, and either has the ball stolen, or fails to release and concedes a penalty
d) the attacking team gathers the ball behind the defensive line and is provided with an excellent attacking opportunity
Although this play requires strong chasers, it clearly requires players capable of attacking kicking also.
At number ten Australia currently plays Bernard Foley. Foley has a great running game, but he does not possess a strong long passing or kicking game.
(AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)
Our 15, Israel Folau, is one of the world’s best ball-runners, the best in the world under the high ball and a prolific off loader. However, he has a poor kick that is slow and highly inaccurate, and rarely does he throw a cut out or effective long pass.
The conundrum that Australia faces is that if they choose to play Folau at 15 then they need a second playmaker at 12; however, Australia lacks an experienced second playmaker to play at 12.
I am of the opinion that Samu Kerevi exhibits a lot of the talent that young Ma’a Nonu did. I see one of the most devastating running games in the world in Kerevi, soft hands capable of pop passes and a willingness to kick when an opportunity presents itself.
Although Kerevi’s long pass and kicking execution need work, I would think that trying to develop him into at 12, as Graham Henry did with Nonu, is likely to be the best long-term strategy for Kerevi and the Wallabies.
Kerevi is a solid tackler, but is prone to some poor defensive reads at 13. Thus, I think he would do better in the relatively simpler 12 channel.
Kurtley Beale lacks the defence to be an international 12. Although he can defend on the wing in structured play, he is too much of a defensive liability off of quick turnover ball to play for the Wallabies.
As Kerevi is not yet a sufficient playmaker this requires playing a second playmaker at 15.
Beale is the best playmaker in the Wallabies squad, has attacking vision and is exceedingly dangerous when running the ball back in open play. Thus, I think he should play 15.
This would also mean when counterattacking Beale can draw in defenders and then pass the ball out to Folau, where there will be fewer defenders to tackle him.
Folau on the wing, finally, also both defuses the opposition’s box kick and also makes the Wallabies’ box kicks and up and unders – especially in the red zone – a far more threatening proposition.
In summary, I believe that in preparation for the 2019 Rugby World Cup Cheika needs to convert Kerevi to 12, make Beale 15 and move Folau to the wing.
ThugbyFan
Guest
Absolutely spot-on Hoy. JOC should have been IC, he would have been great in that position, not a crash baller but fast and elusive with a good pass and a pretty good defender. Instead R.Deans picked Christian Leali'ifano (who should have been the #10) to play IC or the luckiest man ever to play top rugby, one N.Gray (who took his wisdom to be World's Best defence coach).
ThugbyFan
Guest
Spot on Fionn, any Aussie player in SR should be eligible for the WB. We could get M.Alaatoa, T.Smith and likely others learning the dark arts from the masters in KiwiLand yet still be in the WB frame.
ThugbyFan
Guest
Mack Mason, played one SR game (Tahs against Crusaders) and people want him in the WB setup????? Sorry Scuba, I was at that match and M.Mason is far too small and did nothing really special except a couple of nice up-n-unders for Izzy Folau to run on to. Mason tackled ok but also missed a couple of important tackles. He didn't take control of the backline but then again the bloke was likely still learning some of their names. I'm not bagging Mason as it was his first match but he did absolutely NOTHING to suggest he is or could be a quality international 5/8. Even with his field kicks he needed time, exactly the same problem we have with B.Foley. Lets give Mason a whole SR season and more regular games at 5/8 before we start throwing the kudos for him for him to step up to the next level.
mzilikazi
Guest
Yes, Good to see the girls in green get up.
Toby Sconce
Guest
Whatever Cheika decides, at least we'll have a bit of depth in the backline. But if he waits till the 70th minute to sub players I'll punch a hole in the TV.
Dally
Guest
Don't disagree with this assessment at all based on skills. Kerevi and Kuridriani in centres and Folau on wing with Beale at full back is not bad, in theory. But for now I'd have DHP at full back where he has played and is the best option in the position. Folau is more natural to the wing, so I'd have him there. Kerevi would need time at 12 to develop and Beale will be there as long as Cheika is around. When fit, hell he is probably the most dynamic option, but cannot defend, which is a huge issue at test level. Aside from all this, the ethics of Hooper captaining a side that is also rushing an underdone Beale back in after the McKenzie knifing just stinks to me from an ethical point of view. Its the kind of thing that comes back to bite people in life, so I personally see a further train wreck to occur under this regime and a culture that allows for as much to not only be tolerated, but celebrated. Big trouble ahead is my bet.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Nice article Fion. I mentioned the possibility of developing Kerevi a la Nonu a while back, but for some reason I think they'll continue to play him at 13 - maybe because Beale and Hunt will still be around for 2019. But it would mean Australia would not have to go through the positional contortion they currently undertake from lineout.
Markus
Guest
Kerevi over Hodge. Stronger defender, much stronger ball runner, and actually a better passing game. The only thing Hodge has over Kerevi is his boot.
TonyH
Roar Rookie
That sounds OK to me.
MitchO
Guest
Yeah. so without Hunt fit we may as well persist with Kerevi. We have some okay options at 13. TK is good enough (again) and guys like Rona and Hodge have the potential. For the sake of argument, Rob Horne is okay and Magnay will probably be very good.
MitchO
Guest
Timbo. One of the James' on the Roar (not sure which but someone who is a better judge than I) and Nick B think Meakes either isn't going to up to it or isn't up to it now. Be nice to find out sometime because he may find another gear. He has plenty of character.
soapit
Guest
yeah agree not a crashballer in the same way mccabe was. he used his agility to couple with his bulk and size. and agree he had more to his game tha running but its very difficult has a decent playmaking game without being a running threat first and nonu very much had power near the centre of that threat. i guess tho if youre talking just someone charging forward into the teeth with the sole aim of getitng forward momentum and quick recylce that wasnt him.
Fionn
Guest
Soapit, I just fundamentally disagree that Nonu was a crashballer, especially after about 2010. From 2010 he displayed as much vision in attacking, kicking and passing as Conrad Smith did. Nonu could also move laterally as well as crash ball, he was a complete 12, not a crashballer.
soapit
Guest
problem with deans crash ball is he was using mccabe who wasnt really a chance at running over the top of anyone (bigger than oconnor at least). its a good strategy when used with a second playmaking line out the back. especially if the crashballer also has the ability to pass and kick for territory like nonu did. i think kerevi fits this mould pretty well.
soapit
Guest
piru i would rate AAC except.. ... he had an almost non existent passing game at 13 and cost us many tries as a result. tk coming in who knew how to put his winger away in a 2 on 1 was a breath of fresh air. liked him at wing enough though but would have liked a bigger kick or more pace to be top class. agree he was a bit of a jack of all trades with physical attributes and skills. would have been a great 13 if he could pass.
soapit
Guest
i kinda think that works better ds as the second playmaker can work out the back after the power runner 12 goes through pulling a couple of defenders onto him. its basically the old block play that is used in both codes but more often with forwards as the defence puller. ideally i think having a skillful 13 and 15 outside a bigger 12 is my current preference and has been for a while (may well be skewed by that AB setup to list tho) probably boring to say but its why i was a proponent of trying ocnnor at 13 when he was around (not to mention he never seemed to find a home in any other spot and was the only one they hadnt tried him in) i'd have kerevi at 12 and then i dont know who at 13 under that structure, maybe hunt. its not something oz have really used in the past too much.
Fionn
Guest
Higgers, Ross Haylett-Petty, Ruru, Matt Phillip, Quade Cooper, Tom Banks....
Fionn
Guest
I reckon he will definitely be a starter by 2019.
Fionn
Guest
Harry, it is because his catching and especially both reading the game and passing is not up to scratch yet.
Waxhead
Guest
@ RahRah - I don't believe that either. While I disagree with some Cheika individual selections (mostly Waratahs) overall there are not players who deserved squad selection that missed out (except Fardy and a few Brumbies). The major problem is not coaching imo - it's the lack of quality players.